Poop, There It Is

Ahem. I will try like heck to keep this post above a 12-year-old boy’s funny-bone level. You have my shaky word.

Diarrhea is only funny in slap-stick movies or when someone other than you has it. Then, omgosh, high-hilarity, right?! Especially the sounds, but never the smells.

Suffering from the loosey-gooseys yourself, or when babies suffer with it = NOT FUNNY.

As a new grandmama, I’m becoming familiar again with maladies that are associated mostly with childhood, one of which is diarrhea. As a new grandmother, omi, grams, choochie (faint), I have reached back into my bag o’tricks for remedies that I relied on to help my son when he was an itty-bitty and have found that some things have changed, while others, not so much.

Back in the day, we followed the ABC’s for firming up loose stools.

A: Applesauce. Applesauce has pectin which…

Pectin and Diarrhea

According to “The New Healing Herbs,” pectin works with natural intestinal bacteria, or good bacteria, which turns the fiber into a soothing coating for irritated intestinal walls. The book also states that apple pectin has been found to counteract bacteria that causes diarrhea, such as Salmonella, E.Coli, and staphylococcus. Pectin adds bulk to the stool, which can help to ease diarrhea symptoms as well.

Pectin also absorbs water and slows down digestion, translating into decreased bowel movements and severity of those still hanging around.

B: Bananas. Bananas (on the green side) have long been used to bulk up loose and watery stools and to get it moving through a sluggish system, IE constipation. Seems contradictory, but ‘nanners work!

Bananas and Diarrhea:

Bananas are good food for diarrhea because they are soft, bland, and supply complex carbohydrates, all of which render this food easy to digest. Bananas are also a rich source of the essential electrolyte mineral potassium, which is lost from the body because of diarrhea, as well as pectin, a substance that helps reduce diarrhea.

C: Cereal. Not Cap’t Crunch. Not Lucky Charms. But cereal along the lines of white rice.

Boy ate rice cereal formulated for babies and it was the gold standard of bland. Grownups can have boiled rice. No butter. Hold the etouffee. It’s easily digestible and contains binding starches that encourages elimination. Just remember: WHITE RICE.

It’s true we should eat more whole grains and lots of veggies and fruits, but when you are shooting horrible stuff from your bum suffering from diarrhea, it’s best to go back to the 1970s food groups and of course, lots of fluids so everyone stays properly hydrated.

Looking at the linked info, there is no doubt some of the wisdom of yesteryear has survived the test of time. ABC, easy as 123, but is it still recommended today?

#2)American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kiddos can resume their regular diet within 24-hours of sickness onset. Unless that diet is chicken nuggets and french fries. No. Just no.

#3)OMT says: Do what you know is best for you and your kiddo. If you or your itty-bitty has an appetite and it’s not waging war on your Southern fire exit, then YAY for you.

Personally, once the flood gates are open for me, it’s plenty of fluids (water, 7-up or sports drinks, diluted by half) and bland crackers or pretzels until things start turning around. Once my innards stop trying to escape, then it’s back to all things cake!

Some days, I’m all-in with my docs and where science has brought us, medically. Other days, I’m all about using old stand-bys that I know work based my experience and of those I trust. You guys will do the same.

To all the new mommies, I say: be open when your mom or grandmother offers you a remedy that was used waaay before you were born. Today you may roll your eyes at the sheer craziness of it; tomorrow you might be desperate to try what works.

Research. Investigate. Learn.

To all the older moms and grannies, I say: be open to the unfamiliar information that new mommies are exploring and sharing with you. Just because #1: you’ve never heard of it before or #: you wouldn’t try it, doesn’t mean it’s not valuable or doable.

Research. Investigate. Learn.

The day will come when one of you, or the baby, has the dreaded diarrhea and maybe you’ll remember this article with its helpful information and find something that works for you.

Stopped by from the Mommy Club link-up because of your title. VERY clever! As a mom of 5, I am all too familiar with poop and diarrhea - far more familiar than I ever wanted to be!!

Mrs. Tucker

Friday 13th of December 2013

So. Much. Poop! You know of what I speak! Thanks for coming by and giving me a lol!

Crystal Green

Sunday 24th of November 2013

Mrs. Tucker,
I have not heard of those ideas for taking care of the runs. I'm very new school with the remedies we use. Luckily, I didn't have to deal with this issue to much so far. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I love how you ended this post out.

-Crystal

Mrs. Tucker

Sunday 24th of November 2013

These ideas have been around for years, handed down many times over. But, as is the natural way, new methods move in to replace the old. At least now you have a resource if you find yourself wanting in the new school arena. Thanks for coming by and joing the convo!

Kaye Swain

Tuesday 19th of November 2013

Good tips - we also still practice the BRAT diet. Two other things I always do -chicken soup with plenty of garlic, and, while I doubt doctors will like this one, I eat whatever yogurt I can tolerate - usually vanilla for an upset tummy. I figure all the good bugs in the yogurt go do battle against the bad bugs in my body and it does seem to help. :)

Mrs. Tucker

Tuesday 19th of November 2013

I keep hearing probiotics are helpful, so it seems you instinctively knew that when eating yogurt. Never heard of chicken soup unless you have a cold, but now I want a bowl.

Carol Covin

Monday 18th of November 2013

When my infant son (born in 1968) had it, the pediatrician recommended nothing but water for 24 hours (I wasn't nursing), then bananas and toast with no butter, but a little jam and water. Worked right away. I found out that excessive sugar/sweets and grease started causing me a problem about 15 years ago, so had to cut way back. No more McDonald's, fries and Coke. Now, if I know I'm going to be in a situation where I can't control my diet, like when I'm traveling, I eat yoghurt for breakfast.

Mrs. Tucker

Monday 18th of November 2013

NO MORE MCDONALDS?! ~faint~ I keed. I hear what you are saying and we have to take care of ourselves. I'm glad you have found what works, but seriously, no more fries? I think I'd cry.